As children, the thrill of receiving gifts no matter what the occasion is unmatched. I remember one birthday when I received a toy that I had wanted for months, I could only imagine how joyous it would be to play that video game for the first time. The anticipation and excitement leading up to that birthday was tremendous, up until the day I opened the box and plugged it in. And I enjoyed and cherished that gaming gift (an Intelevision) for years, as it was what I had hoped for. But as the years and decades have passed, I have noticed something changing for me and within me. The joy of giving began to eclipse that childish joy of receiving.
It is noted by Psychologists as reveal that generosity activates the brain’s reward centers, creating a sense of happiness and fulfillment that lasts longer than the fleeting pleasure of getting something new. I’ve seen this in others as well. Friends and family who light up when they help someone in need, or strangers who find purpose in acts of kindness. Giving has deepened my relationships and given my life an additional sense of consequence that possessions alone could never provide.
Study 1: University of Zurich Study (Nature Communications, 2017)
Researchers compared brain activity when participants spent money on themselves versus others. Spending on others increased activity in the ventral striatum (linked to happiness) and the temporal parietal junction (linked to empathy). This connectivity was directly associated with greater happiness.
Study 2: Neurobiology of Giving vs. Receiving
Neuroscience research shows giving activates reward pathways and reduces stress, acting as a natural antidepressant.
The Turning Point
The pivotal moment for me came during a heartfelt conversation with my father. He asked me to consider my legacy, especially since I am the last of the Wall kin with no children of my own to carry on the family name. His words allowed me to reflect on what truly matters and what legacy I could and more importantly should leave behind. I realized that my legacy could be about more than a traditional inheritance or trust, giving to children that I do not have. My legacy can be about making a positive impact on aspects of the world where I can make a measured difference and constructive change. This emotive shift from valuing what I received, to valuing what I could and can give has become profound for me.
Legacy
I learned legacy isn’t just about what we leave behind, but about those we build up along the way.
Becoming a Philanthropist
My journey into philanthropy begins with small acts but will certainly grow as a result of my father’s advice regarding legacy. My first focused act of giving was supporting a charity animal shelter, and the delight I felt was humbling. Of course, there were doubts, friends and family worried about me risking my financial future, urging me to save for inevitable rainy days or reductions in force at the office. But I know that giving brings a sense of security and purpose that savings alone couldn’t provide.
When choosing organizations, I look for transparency and measured impact as the main components. The ASPCA and the San Diego Humane Society are close to my heart because domesticated animals rely on humans for their well-being. I know that animals, unlike humans, do not create their own fate through education and hard work, so helping them is especially meaningful to me.
I also seek direct opportunities to help individuals, bypassing bureaucracy and costly red tape to make an immediate and tangible difference in someone’s present and current state. Then hopefully they will create a better future for themselves with that small boost in the now. The most rewarding moments aren’t measured by recognition, but by knowing I’ve helped someone move forward and get pointed in the right direction.
My Views
Philanthropy has changed my view of success; it’s no longer about accumulation, but about contribution and legacy. I’ve learned that happiness grows when it is shared, and that paying it forward creates a legacy that endures the test of time. I don’t compare one act to another, because giving isn’t about winning or finishing first, it’s about care, responsibility, optimism, and the resolution that my actions will inspire others to do better for themselves and to pay it forward as well.
The Misconceptions About Philanthropy
Too often, philanthropy is misunderstood, and it certainly was by me historically. Many assume it’s about prestige or financial benefits that the elite class in the US takes advantage of. They get tax write-offs, executive titles, government influence, social authority, and somehow the money comes right back to them tax free. But true giving isn’t transactional like our elite class is.
Individuals and family have helped me in the past and asked only that I pass the kindness on. That’s the true spirit of philanthropy… creating a cycle of generosity that continues long after we’re gone… I’m not the head of any charity, nor do I seek recognition like our elite class does. I choose to give to individuals and organizations that deliver measurable impact for the causes they champion. For me, philanthropy is about purpose, not perks.
F Rated Examples
CharityWatch.org is the site I use to gather this information and here is a link to their process.
- F Rated Charities: F-Rated Charities Receive Top Ratings & Seals | CharityWatch
Elite Class Examples
Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs)
Ten of America’s top 20 public charities are DAF sponsors, which allow donors to park money for tax benefits while delaying actual charitable distribution. These funds often accumulate billions, benefiting financial institutions and elite donors more than immediate charitable causes.
Tax Incentives as Profit Mechanism
U.S. tax law disproportionately benefits wealthy donors: a $1,000 donation can save an elite donor $300 in taxes, versus $100 for a middle-income donor. This creates a cycle of wealth preservation, where charitable giving doubles as a financial strategy.
The Real Impact
The true impact of giving is often unnoticed and that is the path that I want to take. Some may send heartfelt notes of thankfulness and organizations share stories of lives changed by donations. One act of generosity can inspire others to give, creating a ripple effect that multiplies the “good” in the world. The rewards aren’t to be focused on the external, they’re meant to flourish from the inside. Giving will help me grow in empathy, gratitude, and spirit which is exactly what I need now and into the future. It will hopefully teach me that the greatest legacy is not what we own, but the kindness and good we leave behind.
How to Start Giving
If you’re unsure where to begin, start small.
- Research charities with transparent operations and measurable results, then contribute to something that you believe will absolutely make a difference.
- If money is tight, try volunteering your time or skills, as sometimes, a skilled helping hand is more valuable than cash.
Don’t let fear hold you back, every act of kindness counts like the first step in a journey. I’ve even seen small gestures, like buying someone’s coffee or donating to a little league team, make a huge difference for those involved. Reflect on your own resources, whether it’s time, expertise, or connections, and use them to help others.
Paying It Forward
Paying it forward is more than a concept, I hope it becomes a world movement. I recall a time when someone paid for my coffee unexpectedly and asked only that I do the same for someone else. That simple act encouraged me to look for occasions to help others, whether it’s covering a stranger’s groceries or volunteering my time. Studies show that paying-it-forward not only benefits the recipient but also strengthens communities by fostering trust and goodwill. The impact of these gestures often extends far beyond what we can see. I’ve been on both sides of this cycle, and each time, I’m reminded that kindness is contagious.
Closing Thought
As I reflect on my journey through philanthropy, I’m reminded that giving is transformative. I invite you to share your own stories of generosity and giving, in the comments below, and let’s build a community where kindness is celebrated. My hope is to leave a legacy of compassion, not just for the Wall name, but for everyone whose life I’ve touched. As the proverb goes, “The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention.” Let’s make happiness something we share, not just something we seek.